Maria C. F. Cruz is a dedicated associate attorney in the litigation department, specializing in a wide range of practice areas, including construction, real estate, condominium, business, and complex commercial litigation. Ms. Cruz brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to her clients, consistently striving to achieve favorable outcomes.

Ms. Cruz earned her Juris Doctor from Ave Maria School of Law in 2022, where she excelled academically, receiving the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for the highest grade in both Business Planning and Copyright Law. She was also a recipient of the Cardinal Newman Scholarship, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and dedication to the legal field.

During her time at Ave Maria, Ms. Cruz was actively involved in the Federalist Society, serving as Treasurer in her second year and as President in her final year. Her leadership roles within the organization allowed her to further develop her skills in legal advocacy and community engagement. Ms. Cruz also gained valuable experience as an intern, working with the Honorable Rima Ghandour during her time in private practice and interning at the Law Office of Matthew P. Flores in Southwest Florida.

Before joining the firm, Ms. Cruz honed her litigation skills at a well-known civil litigation firm, where she successfully represented a diverse clientele, including developers, contractors, business owners, and homeowners associations. Her extensive experience in civil litigation has equipped her with the expertise needed to navigate complex legal challenges and deliver results for her clients.

Ms. Cruz is an active member of the Hawaii State Bar Association (HSBA) and the Federalist Society, reflecting her commitment to professional development and staying current with evolving legal trends. She is admitted to practice in Hawai‘i and the United States District Court for the District of Hawai‘i, both since 2022.

In addition to her legal career, Ms. Cruz is currently pursuing an L.LM with concentrations in Risk Management and Compliance from Texas A&M University College of Law, expected to be completed in 2025. This advanced degree will further enhance her ability to provide comprehensive legal counsel and representation to her clients.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Cruz enjoys spending quality time with her family, particularly her nieces, and her two beloved dogs, Quipuha (a Bullmastiff) and Chebot (an English Bulldog). Her hobbies include graphic design, cooking and baking, weight training, surfing, and hiking.

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• Hawaii State Bar Association (HSBA)
• Federalist Society

Bar Admissions:

• Hawai‘i, 2022
• United States District Court for the District of Hawai‘i, 2022

Education:

• Texas A&M University College of Law, L.LM with concentrations in Risk Management and Compliance, expected 2025
• Ave Maria School of Law, J.D., 2022
•  Ave Maria University, B.A. in Business Administration, 2017